PESHAWAR, May 23: Sale of substandard daily-use items as foreign or branded local products is causing loss of millions of rupees to the national exchequer and affecting the health of consumers.

Fake shampoos, soaps, shoe polish and toothpastes have flooded the markets in the province in such a large quantity that the companies concerned and their sales agents are finding it difficult to cope with the situation.

Multinational companies have often complained of sale of fake items under their brand names and said it is harming the credibility of their products. According to multinational firms many products being sold in their name are not even made by them.

There is no effort in sight on the part of government functionaries to ensure the supply of genuine products. Small factories established in residential areas manufacture substandard items that are supplied to markets on low rates.

"The manufacturers of fake items also make their packing material. Their activities are gaining momentum because there is no check by law-enforcement agencies on them," a shopkeeper said. Accordingto doctors, use of substandard cosmetics, shampoos and detergents are causing skin diseases.